Who knew an empty closet can speak -- I certainly didn’t. Just a few days ago I had the task of putting Janice’s clothes in a box. I never would have thought that something so simple could be so hard to do and at the same time emotionally painful. As I stood before the empty closet I saw nothing but empty. I never knew you could see empty, but I did that day. Waves of sadness swept over me that defy explanation.
All the nice clothes that Janice had were no longer needed. Janice took great care in her personal appearance. Even when at home for the day her hair was styled, make up applied and she dressed as if she would be receiving guests—me, not so much. Janice often said, “Wesley, you dress like a bum.” For the longest I thought jeans and a “Message Tee” was close to formal wear. On Sunday or when I had meetings or hospital visits; I would wear a suit, shirt and tie. Otherwise it was tee shirt casual.
On one of our many visits to doctors, her doctor said, “Mrs. Russ, when I saw your chart and noticed your age, I expected to see an older unkempt woman. Not so. You are well dressed with your hair styled and tasteful makeup.” I always appreciated Janice’s concern for her appearance, but as I stood at the empty closet it hit me like a ton of bricks —Janice no longer needs any of these things. I fact, the “things” are in a box and her closet is now empty.
Later that day, I remembered as Janice’s health continued to fail; her greatest concern was her support of IPHC missionaries. For years Janice gave four hundred dollars each month to support the cause of reaching the lost for Christ. When I came back from Romania in 1990, I told Janice we should sell everything we have and go to Eastern Europe and preach and teach the Gospel. Janice said, “If that’s what you think you should do, I promise to write you every week.” My “God” idea suddenly turned into not so good of an idea. Janice assured me we could do more by staying here and supporting national ministers who are already doing the work of the Lord. Of course Janice was right. We have ministry partners in several countries of the world who already know the language and culture and are preaching the Gospel to their own countrymen. What a novel idea.
Among the last things Janice asked me was, “Can you ask that no floral arrangement be given at my funeral, but rather memorial gifts to missions?” We made that request for Janice and to date the Janice Robinson Memorial Missions Fund has received over sixteen thousand dollars. Flowers are nice, but mission’s money is better. Janice is in heaven but is still giving to missions.
Jesus said something about laying up treasure in Heaven. Janice’s closet is empty here but I think rather full there.
The last message to me from Janice’s empty closet is: "Wesley, one day your closet will be empty too."
All the nice clothes that Janice had were no longer needed. Janice took great care in her personal appearance. Even when at home for the day her hair was styled, make up applied and she dressed as if she would be receiving guests—me, not so much. Janice often said, “Wesley, you dress like a bum.” For the longest I thought jeans and a “Message Tee” was close to formal wear. On Sunday or when I had meetings or hospital visits; I would wear a suit, shirt and tie. Otherwise it was tee shirt casual.
On one of our many visits to doctors, her doctor said, “Mrs. Russ, when I saw your chart and noticed your age, I expected to see an older unkempt woman. Not so. You are well dressed with your hair styled and tasteful makeup.” I always appreciated Janice’s concern for her appearance, but as I stood at the empty closet it hit me like a ton of bricks —Janice no longer needs any of these things. I fact, the “things” are in a box and her closet is now empty.
Later that day, I remembered as Janice’s health continued to fail; her greatest concern was her support of IPHC missionaries. For years Janice gave four hundred dollars each month to support the cause of reaching the lost for Christ. When I came back from Romania in 1990, I told Janice we should sell everything we have and go to Eastern Europe and preach and teach the Gospel. Janice said, “If that’s what you think you should do, I promise to write you every week.” My “God” idea suddenly turned into not so good of an idea. Janice assured me we could do more by staying here and supporting national ministers who are already doing the work of the Lord. Of course Janice was right. We have ministry partners in several countries of the world who already know the language and culture and are preaching the Gospel to their own countrymen. What a novel idea.
Among the last things Janice asked me was, “Can you ask that no floral arrangement be given at my funeral, but rather memorial gifts to missions?” We made that request for Janice and to date the Janice Robinson Memorial Missions Fund has received over sixteen thousand dollars. Flowers are nice, but mission’s money is better. Janice is in heaven but is still giving to missions.
Jesus said something about laying up treasure in Heaven. Janice’s closet is empty here but I think rather full there.
The last message to me from Janice’s empty closet is: "Wesley, one day your closet will be empty too."